The FIFA World Cup kicks off in 2 days and the spotlight isn’t entirely focused on the beautiful game. Previous editions in Russia and Qatar were also subject to immense scrutiny and this year’s spectacle in the USA is no different
Like many other international mega-sporting events, geopolitics is front and center. However, intricacies at play this year ensure that the most watched sporting event could attract even more eyes. This is the first time a host nation is actively at war with one of the participating countries. Trump’s history with co-hosts Mexico complicates things, and there are also concerns about the impact of US immigration policies on international fans.
The Wire’s Shaun Dourado asked Emeritus Professor David Rowe of western Sydney University to shed some light on sports washing and the other political tensions that could end up stealing headlines away from the action on the pitch.
Producers: